Alabama House passes ban on text-messaging while driving

View full size(AP File Photo)A driver sends a text message while behind the wheel of her car in this December 2009 Associated Press file photo. The Alabama House of Representatives passed a text-messaging while driving ban 95-3.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Alabama House has voted to ban drivers on Alabama roads from
sending or writing text messages while driving.

The House voted
95-3 to pass the bill by Republican Rep. Jim McClendon of Springville
that would make Alabama the 20th state in the nation to ban texting
while driving. The bill now goes to the Senate for debate.

The
bill calls for a fine of $25 for the first conviction for texting while
driving. A driver would be fined $50 for a second conviction and $75
for each subsequent violation. A driver would have to pay court costs
if convicted.

The bill prohibits police officers from searching the car after a stop for texting while driving.